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    Defence Ministries Partner on Local Weapons Production

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    The Federal Government is making progress towards establishing a Military Industrial Complex at the Ajaokuta Steel Plant in Kogi State, aimed at boosting local production of military hardware and strengthening national security.

    On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, and the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, met at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja to finalise a strategic partnership between their ministries.

    The high-level meeting focused on a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Steel Development and the Ministry of Defence, which will formalise joint efforts to manufacture weapons and military equipment locally.

    According to a statement by Lizzy Okoji, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Steel Development, the initiative is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to strengthen national security, promote industrialisation, and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on foreign military supplies.

    The project also aligns with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Act 2023, which supports local defence manufacturing and technology.

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    “This collaboration will not only help Nigeria achieve self-reliance in defence production, but also revive the Ajaokuta Steel Plant as a key driver of industrial growth,” the statement read.

    The Defence Industrial Hub in Ajaokuta is expected to create jobs, boost the economy, and improve the country’s capacity to meet its internal and external security needs.

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